The effect of the lunar cycle on migraine: preliminary findings from a retrospective study

Abstract

Aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the lunar cycle and attacks observed in patients diagnosed with migraine and under follow-up in our pediatric neurology clinic. Methods Cases diagnosed with migraine and under follow-up at the Balıkesir University Medical Faculty Pediatric Neurology Clinic, Turkey, undergoing attacks between 01.09.2019 and 01.09.2021, and whose attacks were recorded were included in the study. Patients’ migraine attacks were investigated retrospectively, and the stage of the lunar cycle at which they occurred, based on the lunar calendar, was determined. Results The mean age of the patients in the study was 13.39±2.64 (8–17) years. Female gender was observed in the majority of attacks in all lunar cycles, and was most common in the frst quarter. Headache was most common in the frontal region during the frst quarter and full moon, and auras were also most frequent in the frst quarter. Stress and exercise were the most frequent migraine-triggering factors in the frst and third quarters, and in the full moon. Migraine attacks were shortest in duration in the full moon, and longest in the frst quarter. The frequency of attacks (per week) was highest in the new moon and third quarter, and lowest in the full moon. Conclusions This study investigated the relationship between migraine attack characteristics in children and the lunar cycle. It represents the frst such investigation of the association between the lunar cycle and pediatric migraine attacks.